Correspondence on calls for inquiry or review into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse: FOI release

Information requested

All correspondence and records held by the Scottish Government from 1 September 2025 to 30 September 2025 that relate to calls for an inquiry or review into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse (also known as grooming gangs) in Scotland.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because exemptions under sections s.38(1)(b) (personal information), s.30(b)(i) (provision of advice), s. 29(1)(a) (formulation of Government policy) and s.30(c) (conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why these exemptions applies are explained below. Where relevant documents are already in the public domain we have provided internet links, in the hope that these will be helpful to you.

An exemption(s) under s.38(1)(b) (personal information) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to personal information and specifically the person data of third parties. This applies in this case as the information you have requested includes detailed data of third parties. This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

An exemption under s.30(b)(i) (provision of advice) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to the free and frank provision of advice. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because it relates to an issue of concern to the public. However, this is outweighed by the public interest as disclosure of this advice would likely have an inhibiting effect on the provision of advice on this matter.

An exemption under s.29(1)(a) (formulation of Government policy) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates relates to the formulation of the Scottish Government’s policy. This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is a public interest in disclosing information as part of open, transparent and accountable government, and to inform public debate. However, there is a greater public interest in high quality policy and decision-making, and in the properly considered implementation and development of policies and decisions. This means that Ministers and officials need to be able to consider all available options and to debate those rigorously, to fully understand their possible implications. Their candour in doing so will be affected by their assessment of whether the discussions on marine planning policy will be disclosed in the near future, when it may undermine or constrain the Government’s view on that policy while it is still under discussion and development.

An exemption under s.30(c) (conduct of public affairs) of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. This exemption relates to the effective conduct of public affairs. This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release because it relates to an issue of concern to the public. However, this is outweighed by the public interest as disclosure of this advice would otherwise prejudice substantially the effective conduct of public affairs on this matter.

The Marshalled list of amendments, groupings and supplements for the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill is available on the Scottish Parliament website - Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

Letter from Justice Secretary's letter to Liam Kerr MSP on proposed amendments raised ahead of Stage 3 from 16 September is published and available at the Scottish Government’s website - Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill: Justice Secretary's letter to Liam Kerr MSP - gov.scot

Press Release from the Conservative Party on the Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform Bill is available at Victims’ Bill will be ‘a sham’ unless SNP accept key changes

The Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs speech relating to amendments 31 and 32 is available in the official report on the meeting of the Parliament on 16 September on the Scottish Parliament website - Victims, Witnesses, and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill | Scottish Parliament Website

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500488098 - Information Released - Annex

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